Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will allow Thomas Vermaelen to leave in the summer but only once he has brought in a central defensive addition to offer back-up to first choice pair Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
Belgian international Vermaelen has been left to warm the bench for the best part of a year and is said to have told Wenger he wants to seek a move away at the end of the current campaign.
Vermaelen is said to have suitors in Germany, Italy as well as apparent interest from a number of Premier League sides.
The 28 year old is no doubt concerned that a prolonged period without regular football could be detrimental to his standing in the Belgian national team set-up.